Whether you choose fabric blinds for aesthetic appeal or added privacy, everyone has a reason to settle for these window additions. But keeping them looking their best year in and out may require a little TLC. But we make it easy for you with our tips on how to remove stains from fabric blinds like a pro.
While fabric blinds incorporate dust and moisture-resistant protective coatings, that doesn’t exempt them from regular cleaning!
Besides, leaving ugly stains, clumps of dirt, dust, grime, and allergen build-up fosters an unsightly look and could trigger allergies for the occupants.
The excellent news is that you need a few cleaning supplies and tools to clean your blinds without paying anyone to help out.
With a little confidence and no skills or experience, you can as well be your professional cleaner! So keep reading to learn how to remove stains from fabric blinds.
The Requirements
You don’t need to strike it rich to make this maintenance task successful.
You only need a few items, including dishwashing liquid, baking soda, small bowls, microfiber cloths, and a vacuum that features a hose and upholstery brush.
Precautions Before Cleaning Process
Some fabric blinds feature intricate designs, such as embroidery, pleats, and layers, which can be tricky to deal with at the beginning.
Take extreme care if it’s your first time handling such fabric blinds to lower the risk of damage.
How to Clean Fabric Blinds
Close the blinds
Having gathered all your cleaning supplies and the vacuum, start by lowering horizontal blinds or drawing vertical blinds over the window. Ensure the blinds are fully extended.
Then tilt the slat to expose most of the fabric surface.
Vacuum
This step is especially crucial for wind and dust-prone areas. Utilize a vacuum with a hose and upholstery brush attachment to simplify your blinds-dusting task. Not to worry if you don’t have a suitable vacuum.
Wiping down each slat with a microfiber cloth is another way to dust your blinds.
Remember to hold the bottom with one hand to stabilize the blinds for horizontal fabric blinds. Gently run the upholstery brush over each slat or section starting from the top.
You are advised against applying excessive pressure since it could damage the blinds. When done with one side, angle the slats in the opposite direction and vacuum again.
You can hold the blind away from the window and vacuum the other side if your blinds are one solid piece of fabric.
You’ll have to hold the bottom of every slat and vacuum down from the top for vertical fabric blinds. So must you vacuum in a downward motion?
The simple answer—is yes!
It helps prevent the slate from unhooking from the top. Also, pay attention to the upper hardware that could catch and hold dust. Then reverse the slats and vacuum the other side.
Examine the blinds for any stains
Even the most minor stains can be annoying. That said, inspect the blinds for stains after dusting. You can spot anything, from sticky hands and splattered food to insect droppings.
Create your cleaning mixture
Prepare two cups of lukewarm water and pour them into a bowl. Add several drops of dishwashing liquid that shouldn’t be more than ¼ teaspoon.
Use your fingers or a spoon to agitate the water, which disperses the dishwashing liquid.
Spot clean your blinds’ stains
Asking how to remove stains from fabric blinds? Start by dipping a microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution. Be sure to wring it until the cloth drips no more.
Then support the blind by placing one hand behind the section that requires cleaning. That is vital for preventing damage to the fabric.
Gently dab the stain with your dampened, soapy cloth.
You are probably wondering if scrubbing could speed up the process—yes, it could! But only if you are willing to risk tearing or abrading the fabric.
For a stubborn stain, dip the damp cloth in dry baking soda and gently rub it(baking soda is one of the gentle abrasives that get rid of stains).
Next, dip a clean microfiber cloth in pure water and wring until damp to rinse the affected section. Wipe away the soapy residue to prevent discoloration.
Air-dry the fabric
Fully extend the blinds to allow them to air-dry. As tempting as it can be to get your hairdryer or heater to help quicken this step-don’t fall for it!
You shouldn’t apply direct heat from these handy machines.
Spot Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning Your Fabric Blinds
Spot Cleaning
It’s ideal if you want to focus on certain parts of the fabric due to a spill, splatter, or other stains. Carry out a spot check first to avoid damaging the entire fabric.
It will save you from using a harsh detergent that may damage the fiber or color.
Proceed to spot cleaning once you are sure.
Start by cleaning the affected spot with a clean sponge dipped into the cleaning solution, such as Purex laundry detergent, before wiping off the stain gently.
Don’t be surprised or discouraged if you must repeat the process a few times for the stain to disappear entirely. Then soak a clean sponge in clean lukewarm water to wipe off the solution.
Once done, don’t use a hand dryer on the freshly cleaned spot. It can lead to deeply ingrained stains, so allow the fabric to air-dry.
Deep Cleaning
When vacuuming and spot cleaning don’t bear fruit, you may have to go the extra mile with deep cleaning. So start by unstringing the blinds.
You’ll have to submerge your fabric into warm soapy water to dissolve the dirt and stains. Proceed to rinse the blinds in a clean bathtub and dry it in a well-ventilated room (remember you shouldn’t soak it in a bathtub).
Tips for Maintaining Clean and Fresh Fabric Blinds for Longer
Keeping up with various maintenance tasks is the least we can do to appreciate our blinds for keeping the cold out and reducing heat loss.
While knowing how to clean them is vital, paying attention to your blinds throughout the year can promote better functionality. Fortunately, the recommendations are easy to carry out and include the following:
Vacuum regularly, preferably once a month.
Get rid of stains sooner rather than later.
Don’t soak fabric blinds in your bathtub with water. It can cause the fabric to lose shape or detach from the slats.
Take down the fabric blinds and lay them flat to vacuum when washing the internal parts of the windows. It grants access to areas of the blinds and windows around the hardware that may need vacuuming or cleaning.
Conclusion
There you go–easy as I, 2, and 3, right? This article has covered how to clean fabric blinds in case a stain ends up on your window beautifiers.
But remember that checking your manufacturer’s recommendations can save you from minor mistakes that could lead to permanent damage.
Different styles, make-ups, and decorations of blinds come with special precautions and tips for cleaning.
Now you can enjoy clean, fresh fabric blinds every season while enhancing their durability through timely maintenance!